Consigning Time

Halloween Costume?  Check.  Winter Coat?  Check.  Snow Boots?  Check. 

Yes, as odd as it seems these will be just a few of the items on my list this July as the first consignment sales of the season begin.  The Fall season begins in july and runs through the end of September and there are MANY wonderful sales throughout Middle Tennessee (and now Kentucky) for you to find everything you need. 

Now is the time to start preparing your items to sell (and making a list of things you need for the upcoming Fall and Winter). 

Here are three tips to help you prepare:

1.  Inventory your clothes that will still work for Fall.  If you are like me, you may have already picked up some items in the next size in anticipation of a growth spurt.  I discovered last year I already had five pairs of jeans for my son BEFORE I even started shopping.  If I had not checked, I would have bought too many.

2.  Gather toys to sell.  I ALWAYS involve my kids in this process so they "buy" into it.  I present two items and tell them to choose which item they want to keep.  (I usually rig the choices so it is one item I want to go and one I know they will want to keep).  It really helps us clear out the playroom and they don't feel like I am just getting rid of their stuff.

3.  Gather supplies you will need for tagging your items.  Now is a great time to pick up safety pins at the Dollar Store, hit up the dry cleaner for wire hangers, and pick up index cards at the Back To School sales.  Keep all your things together in a "Consignment Kit" so it will be ready when you are ready to tag.

Just remember - shopping (and selling) at consignment sales is a great way to save your family money and in today's economy - we need all the help we can get.  HAPPY SHOPPING!